Head of Department Primary Computing at Safa Community School

POST: Head of Department Primary Computing at Safa Community School, Dubai

Safa Community School - a beacon of excellence. In 2024, we were honoured with the ‘Happiest School in the UAE’ title, a testament to our commitment towards student well-being. In addition, we were proud recipients of the ‘Value Add, Leaving No Child Behind Award’, reflecting our dedication to academic progress. This was further underscored by our 2024 GCSE VA score of +2.2. Our high staff retention rates and inclusion in the top 15 Schools in the UAE by the Schoolscompared.com survey are a source of pride for us all.

At Safa Community School, we are more than just a school-we are a community. With a parent body comprising of expats, including around 35% from the UK, we have fostered a reputation for being a friendly, warm and community-oriented school. Our positive relationships among staff, parents and students are a testament to our inclusive approach, making everyone feel welcomed and part of a larger family. This sense of belonging sets us apart and should make you feel at home in our school.

Safa Community School is not just another school but an award-winning all-through UK curriculum school, from FS1 to Year 13, with 2,570 on roll. Follow our school Instagram channel for a glimpse into our vibrant community showcasing student achievements, community events, and much more at safa_scs.

Currently, we are in search of a dynamic and passionate Head of Department Primary Computing and Teacher to lead our highly accomplished department.

What can SCS offer? 

•  Develop and grow within the Primary School;
• Be innovative and to develop new educational procedures and student experiences; 
• Develop a significantly broad portfolio; 
• an exciting, challenging and stimulating place to work in a friendly and welcoming environment

Who/what is SCS looking for? 

• Will hold relevant qualifications and QTS (BEd or Bachelors degree with PGCE / PGDE or equivalent).
• Must have vast experience teaching in British Curriculum schools.
• Excellent leadership potential, strong management and communication skills are demonstrable through your present role. 
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Creating and delivering departmental improvement plans.
• Experience in working with and analysing data.
• The ability to communicate a clear vision for improving standards within the department;
• A capacity for hard work and resilience; and a belief that this is at the core of success;
• A creative thinker with the ability and determination to secure high-quality outcomes for all students;
• An exceptional and innovative classroom practitioner;
• Demonstrable ability to lead, inspire and motivate others;
• Readiness for meeting the high expectations in Dubai with enthusiasm;
• A leader who places the well-being of all students first. 
• This job description will be reviewed regularly and may be subject to modification and amendment.

General Professional Responsibilities

The professional duties of a this role shall be deemed to include the following duties:

• The ability to confidently lead a team and enhance the provision of Computer Science and Online Safety throughout the whole Primary phase.
• Plan and adapt MTP and LTP that involve creating engaging lessons, with real world relevance, based on Computer Science, IT, Online Safety and Artificial Intelligence for Y2-Y6.
• To provide an excellent knowledge of Computer Science with the ability to code from Y5-Y7. This may include block coding, JavaScript or Python.
• An understanding of data analysis allowing the identification of certain demographic groups which include Gifted and Talented students.
• An excellent understanding of Online Safety and the ability to effectively communicate this clearly to students and parents throughout the Primary Phase.
• Deliver CPD to staff using technology within the classroom to enhance teaching and learning throughout the Primary Phase.
• Respond to parent troubleshooting concerns with regards to online platforms and online safety of students.
• Teaching, including planning and preparing courses and lessons, setting and marking of work and assessing, recording and reporting on the development, progress and attainment in line with the school’s expectations and policy.
• Using data to inform classroom teaching, monitoring and tracking student progress and putting in place timely interventions.
• Maintaining good order and discipline among the students he/she is teaching.
• Participating in team meetings and any additional events.
• Working as a member of a team in the shaping of departmental policy and practice, the introduction of curricular initiatives, the preparation and development of programmes of study and methods of teaching and assessment.
• Keeping up to date with curriculum innovation, participating in arrangements for CPD, contributing to his/her own professional development.

Desirable

• The ability to run an MDM system such as Meraki which controls the overall iPad system within the school.
• An astute knowledge of the Google Admin system which may include restricting certain access for certain Organisational Units within the school and creating email addresses in bulk when necessary.
• Have an experience with using a wide range of Primary Online Tools as an administrator and understand how to use these effectively within core curriculum subjects. This will include: Seesaw, Century, Spag.com, Maths.co.uk, Komodo Wellbeing, Spellzone, Times Table Rock Stars.
• An experience of the assessment process within the UAE. This includes knowledge of CAT4, NGRT and GL assessments.

Note:

• This job description will be reviewed regularly and may be subject to modification and amendment.

Application Process

Closing date for applications is Tuesday, 31st December 2024 at 10h00 UAE time.

• All applications must be submitted on the TES Portal. Only applications submitted through the Portal will be considered.
• Submit an up to date, full resume / CV.
• Submit a covering letter of no more than two A4 pages.
• Provide at least three referees’ names, telephone numbers (with international dialling codes), and email addresses. One must be a current employer.
• The closing date for all applications is Tuesday, 31st December 2024 at 10h00 UAE time.
• Applications will be assessed in order of receipt and interviews may occur at any stage after applications are received. We reserve the right to appoint before the closing date and therefore invite interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.
• A demonstration lesson will be required.

Upon request, feedback will only be provided to candidates who progress to the interview stages.

Important Notice

At Safa Community School we hold ourselves to a high standard of effective practices in relation to child protection and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We expect all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to various background checks including, receipt of satisfactory references, proof of relevant qualifications, identification and police checks, including overseas checks.